There is a danger now that the destructive power of Ma'a Nonu is felt mostly keenly by his own team-mates.

Stats guru Tracey Nelson looks at how the All Blacks stack up in their final Grand Slam test against Wales on Sunday morning.

The All Blacks' two most capped players are among six nominees for the IRB player of the year.

The difference in approaches by the All Blacks management and that of Wales is very merked.

Running out against Wales for cap No 50 will be huge for league-union star Brad Thorn.

Isaia Toeava and Sonny Bill Williams have emerged as the big winners out of the All Blacks' end-of-year tour.

Sonny Bill Williams has been preferred to Ma'a Nonu for Sunday's test against Wales. Keven Mealamu also returns for the year's final test.

Senior Wales players have met privately to plot their recovery from their much criticised draw against Fiji.

Forwards coach Steve Hansen has laughed off suggestions that Richie McCaw is a cheat and the All Blacks don't scrum.

The All Blacks will wear white armbands and will honour the Pike River miners with a minute's silence before Sunday's test against Wales.

Remember Marseille. That is the call All Black captain Richie McCaw will emphasise ahead of a tilt at a third Grand Slam this weekend.

All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith has attempted to temper expectations of a free flowing spectacle at the World Cup.

He's no Daniel Carter but the All Blacks back-up no.10 does a passable impression of a Welshman called Stephen Jones.

Sonny Bill Williams appears poised to end his All Blacks Grand Slam tour as it began - in the starting line-up.

It's not only the players needing a break from footy - supporters also need a rest.

Trudging off to the northern plains to fight these second-rate cart horses every year isn't floating the boat any more.